I just had an initial phone interview for a junior graphic design role and I feel like I messed up one of the most important questions. They asked me what I know about their company, and I honestly didn’t prepare enough for that part. I knew the basics (what they sell), but I didn’t look deeper into their products or brand beforehand. When they asked, I admitted I hadn’t really read their website. Then, I realized this is a very standard interview question and something I should have prepared before even applying. I focused too much on practicing the other questions about me, my experience and my skills. Now I’m overthinking it a lot and feeling like I have ruined this one in a million chance over something pretty basic. For context, I do have a design education but with limited design experience. I do think my portfolio is good, and the rest of the interview went okay (?) but this one part is really sticking with me. I’m so embarrassed and so upset with myself for not preparing well for this.
I just want to ask:
How badly does missing a question like this affect your chances?
Is this an instant “no” for junior roles?
Or do companies look at the bigger picture (skills, portfolio, etc.)?
I’m still early in my career, so I’m trying to understand how serious this actually is vs how much I’m overthinking it.